Tracking vehicle maintenance using sensor detection

ABSTRACT

Radio frequency identification is used in cooperation with the computer system aboard a motor vehicle to track service and maintenance activities relating to the vehicle. Each component or part of the vehicle that may require maintenance is provided with a unique passive identification tag. The output data from the tag is read by a reader placed in proximity to the tag, and the data is transmitted to an on-board computer module where it is processed, and the service record is updated. A data stream converter may be used to process the information read by the reader into a format that is acceptable to the on-board computer. The data from the on-board computer is stored in a device external to the computer. Provisions are included for notification to the user, the auto dealer or service other agency as needed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the use of radio frequency identification incooperation with the computer system aboard a motor vehicle to track andrecord service and maintenance activities relating to the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is common knowledge that a properly maintained motor vehicle is moredependable, safer, lasts longer, and increases the satisfaction of itsowner as compared to a vehicle that is poorly maintained. Furthermore,following a good maintenance schedule helps to preserve the integrity ofany warranty that the owner might have on the vehicle. In addition, theresidual value of the vehicle is higher at the time of sale or trade-in.Accordingly, systems for implementing and improving the maintenance andrepair of vehicles can be extremely beneficial to the owner, familymembers and others.

The manufacturer of a vehicle typically provides a maintenance schedulethat includes a recommended timetable or mileage schedule for tirerotation, engine tune-ups, lubrication, oil changes, front endalignments, radiator flushing, and the like. Failure to followprescribed maintenance can seriously shorten the operative lifetime ofthe vehicle, and can adversely affect any applicable warranties on thevehicle itself or on the specific components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general, the present invention utilizes a device, such as an activeRFID reader, coupled with a vehicle's computer system in conjunctionwith one or more sensors, such as passive RFID tags on or in proximityto vehicle components and parts, in order to track servicing of suchcomponents and parts.

In more detail, the invention relates to a system, methods, and aprogram code useful in connection with a computer module typicallymounted on board a motor vehicle for creating and updating a record ofmaintenance of said motor vehicle. The system comprises a sensor, suchas a passive radio frequency tag associated with a serviceable orreplaceable component of the vehicle and sensor, such as a radiofrequency reader to capture a signal from said tag. It also employscircuitry to transmit the captured signal to a remote location such asthe on-board computer module. A converter may be used for converting thesignal from the reader into a data stream acceptable by the computermodule. A service logic module then updates the maintenance record withrespect to the vehicle component that was the subject of the service orreplacement. Anon-volatile database storage may be used for retainingthe information contained in the updated record provided by the servicelogic module. The system may also include a module for providing theuser and/or other party (the mechanic, car rental agency, a financingcompany, etc.) with a status report, listing the repair or repairs thatwere made, the date or dates on which they were performed, a list of thereplacement parts, a reminder of a scheduled maintenance item, or awarning of a maintenance default.

The invention also relates to a method comprising producing a computerexecutable program code. The code is stored in a computer readablemedium installed on a motor vehicle where it can be deployed andexecuted on a computer system. The program code comprises instructionswhich, when executed on the computer system, causes the computer systemto: a) read input obtained from a detector associated with the motorvehicle relative to the onset and completion of maintenance or repair ofthe vehicle; b) transfer data from said detector to the computer system;c) update the maintenance record of the vehicle; and d) store theupdated maintenance record in database storage. The program code causesthe input noted by the detector to be converted into a data stream thatcan be read by the computer system. The program code causes a servicelogic module within the computer system to update vehicle maintenancerecords with respect to the data transmitted to the computer. Inaddition, the program code causes a notification module to transmit amessage with respect to the updated record.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of this invention will be more readilyunderstood from the following detailed description of the variousaspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting features of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the field of range of an RFID reader;

FIG. 3 is an example of an RFID reader detecting a label on an oil pandrain bolt;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary computerized implementation of therepair and maintenance sensing and tracking system and method of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 shows preparatory steps of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the operational steps of theinvention;

It should be understood that the drawings are intended to be merelyschematic representations of the invention and its environment. They arenot necessarily drawn to scale, nor are they intended to portrayspecific parameters of the invention. The drawings are intended todepict only typical embodiments of the invention, and therefore shouldnot be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In thedrawings, like numbers represents like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention utilizes existing active and passive RFID devicesand tags in a system coupled by serial communication with existingvehicle computers in order to track and record vehicle service andmaintenance. The system and method combine these technologies wherebyvehicle service data is automatically detected and recorded.

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is an automatic identificationtechnique that relies on storing and remotely retrieving data usingdevices called RFID tags or transponders. An RFID tag is an object thatcan be attached to or incorporated into a product, animal, or person forthe purpose of identification using radio waves.

All RFID tags contain at least two component parts. One component is anintegrated circuit (IC) for storing and processing information,modulating and demodulating a radio frequency (RF) signal and perhapsother specialized functions. The second component is an antenna fortransmitting and receiving the signal. The RFID tag is in near proximityto the reader so that the tag can be read. The tag typically can be readby the reader from a distance of several meters, and does notnecessarily need to be in the line of sight of the reader. The antennacan either be supported by the tag or can be located at a differentlocation, and can be connected to the RFID integrated circuit by acable.

The operative elements of the present invention are shown in FIG. 1,wherein an automotive component or part 10 is embossed or otherwiseequipped with a passive RFID tag 12. This tag is recognizable by a radiofrequency reader such as an RFID reader 14. The RFID reader 14 obtainsdata from the passive tag. The data is translated in a data streamconverter 16, if necessary, and updates the vehicle central computer 20with associated component information. The data is then evaluated by aService Logic Module 22 within the computer 20, and is written to a datastorage device 24 comprising a nonvolatile storage medium. The databasestorage can either be external to the vehicle central computer as shownor can be embedded in the computer. Finally, optional user notificationis processed in a user notification module 26. Each logical componentwill now be discussed in greater detail.

FIG. 5 shows the preliminary steps for the preparation of a vehicle inconnection with the present invention. A vehicle part is provided with atag such as an RFID tag at 100. A reader is positioned (102) in closeproximity, e.g. within detection range typically of a few meters, on orin connection with the vehicle. It need not be mounted on the vehicleitself, but may be positioned so that the tag passes within the range ofthe reader as the vehicle moves by the reader. In other words, thereader may be mounted on the ground or floor over which the vehiclepasses, or on the frame of a door through which the vehicle enters orexits a building or other structure. When the tag is read by the reader,suitable circuitry is used at 104 to convert the signal from the taginto data that can be then further used, recorded, stored or otherwisehandled as appropriate. This data is then transmitted (106) to anon-board computer or to a remote location.

Turning next to FIG. 6, a typical flow diagram showing the operativesteps for utilizing the present invention are shown. This is based on aninstallation of the component parts as described in connection with FIG.5. A computer executable program code is produced (110) and the code isstored at 112 in a computer readable medium. This program code is thenutilized at 114 by the on board computer system associated with a motorvehicle. The code contains instructions which will cause the computer toutilize a reader which obtains and reads data at 116 from a radiofrequency tag associated with a tagged part of the motor vehicle. Thisdata is transferred at 118 to the on board computer which can thenupdate and store the information on a maintenance schedule at 120.

Passive RFID tags have greatly expanded in application and scope overthe past several years. Passive tags are currently available in a widevariety of sizes, shapes, construction, application technique, anddurability. These tags are marketed by a variety of suppliers which canbe found on the internet and from product supply catalogs.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a typical RFID reader 14. Asshown, this reader has a relatively short range represented by thedotted circle 30 surrounding the reader. The vehicle in which the readeris mounted is represented by the square box 32. A component part 10 isequipped with an RFID tag 12. When the component part is installed inthe vehicle, the tag 12 is in near proximity to, and within the range ofthe reader. However, when the part 10 is removed from the vehicle 32,the tag 12 is shown as being outside of the RF range of the reader 30.

Virtually all physical components in a motor vehicle can be effectivelylabeled with passive RFID tags. All vehicle fluid containers andcomponents which are included in regular service and maintenance orwould reasonably be expected to be replaced within a certain time frameshould be RFID tagged. The following lists provide a few examples ofsuch fluids and components:

Regular Service fluids and associated parts:

-   -   Oil and oil filter    -   Air filter    -   Radiator fluid and filter    -   Brake fluid    -   Air conditioning charge    -   Hoses    -   Belts    -   Brake pads    -   Fuel-line filter

Reasonable Replacement components:

-   -   Tires    -   Thermostat    -   Water pump    -   Timing belt    -   Spark plugs    -   Spark plug wires    -   Distributor cap    -   Fuel pump    -   Starter    -   Brake rotors

If a water pump is replaced, the water pump gasket should also bereplaced as a part of that procedure. An association of these twocomponents should be noted such that completion of service is notrecorded unless both components are replaced.

The reader is a standard radio frequency reader such as an RFID tagreader, or multiple networked readers, and is well known in the art.Table 1 depicts use of the RFID reader to track component replacement ofan oil filter. Each tag is identified with a unique 4 element code thatcorrelates the tag with the component and its manufacturer.

TABLE 1

Data-stream Converter-It is possible that the Vehicle Central Computerwould not natively understand the data-stream produced by the RFIDreader. In this event, a data-conversion function would exist as anembedded or up-stream function between the RFID reader and the VCC. Thisis shown in FIG. 1 as component 16. In the event that a converter is notneeded for a given reader system, the data stream can readily bypass theconverter as shown.

The vehicle central computer is the standard computer module present inevery modern vehicle. The module may contain a repair maintenanceschedule for the vehicle. Otherwise, the schedule can be updatedmanually, either by the service technician, or by the vehicle owner.

The service logic module (SLM) typically may comprise an integralcomponent of the vehicle central computer or may be separate. It servesto provide the logic to implement the present invention.

The vehicle in-service component is detected by RFID reader whereuponthe service logic module table is updated, optionally along with thevehicle's repair or service maintenance schedule, with component data asfollows:

-   -   A component is removed or disconnected from the vehicle;    -   The RFID Reader detects loss of signal from the component;    -   The loss of signal message is sent to the vehicle computer;    -   The SLM locates RFID record in the table;    -   The SLM updates the state field in table;    -   A new component is installed;    -   The RFID Reader detects the new component;    -   A new component message is sent to the vehicle computer;    -   The SLM adds the new component entry to the table;    -   The RFID Reader monitors the new component ID; and    -   Optionally, the vehicle's repair maintenance schedule is        updated.

Table 2 is an example of a state change that might occur when an oilfilter is replaced on a Ford vehicle. The filter is shown as‘in-service’ until it is removed. When the replacement filter isinstalled, the data record is updated to reflect the new tag ID.

TABLE 2 RFID Tag ID Component Description Part Number Date in ServiceDue Date State 843n567seg169lt65 Ford air-filter FA3606 May 03, 2006Nov. 03, 2006 In-service 42kjouF04439i%,2k Ford oil-filter F04439 May03, 2006 Aug. 03, 2006 In-Service 2910f7odjutivv8rj 1 Ford front brakepads FBP3318 May 03, 2006 May 03, 2007 In-Service 42kjouF04439ip2k Fordoil-filter F04439 May 03, 2006 Aug. 03, 2006 Removed 42kjouF04439v35rFord oil-filter F04439 Aug. 01, 2006 Nov. 01, 2006 In-Service

In connection with the oil change, FIG. 3 is an example of theapplication of the present invention to an engine crankcase providedwith a drain bolt (or plug) 42 on the bottom of an oil pan 40. The drainbolt 42 is equipped with an RFID label 12 which is within the range ofan RFID reader 14 when the bolt is threaded into place on the oil pan40. However, removal of the drain bolt outside of the limited range ofthe reader 14 will provide a non-detection signal to the reader.Similarly, the RFID reader can detect the RFID tag being moved at adistance beyond a preset threshold from the receiver using known RFIDdistance detection methods, indicating that the drain bolt has beenremoved. This is achieved by detecting speed of response from the tagwherein the response time is dependent upon the distance away from thereceiver. Other methods such as triangulation can be used if multiplereaders are present. Until the drain bolt is replaced, the reader can beprogrammed to deny authorization to add fresh oil to the enginecrankcase.

Additional logic can address special situations such as component reuseand relocation. As an example, when vehicle tires are rotated, each tirewould in turn “check out” of the system monitor and then “check in” viaan RFID reader in a new location. Tires would thus be indicated asreusable and relocatable parts, such that upon “check in”, the componentlocation (state) data would be updated in the table. The following tableis an example of what a table update may look like for a tire rotationscenario.

TABLE 3 RFID Tag ID Component Description Part Number Date in ServiceDue Date State 7djte3aljpod046kjp Ford Radial Tire BA-83316 Jan. 22,2006 Jan. 22, 2009 Left front 7dtyaejti458ejei4id Ford Radial TireBA-83316 Jan. 22, 2006 Jan. 22, 2009 Right front 7rlsanm9451snrjkn2 FordRadial Tire BA-83316 Jan. 22, 2006 Jan. 22, 2009 Left rear7dslhgn385j6j4por4 Ford Radial Tire BA-83316 Jan. 22, 2006 Jan. 22, 2009Right rear 7djte3aljpod046kjp Ford Radial Tire BA-83316 Jul. 20, 2006Jan. 22, 2009 Right rear 7dtyaejti458ejei4id Ford Radial Tire BA-83316Jul. 20, 2006 Jan. 22, 2009 Left rear 7rlsanm9451snrjkn2 Ford RadialTire BA-83316 Jul. 20, 2006 Jan. 22, 2009 Right front 7dslhgn385j6j4por4Ford Radial Tire BA-83316 Jul. 20, 2006 Jan. 22, 2009 Left frontIn the case of duplicate entries, the most recently recorded will beregarded as reflecting the current state. For example, there can only beone “Left front” tire, and so the most recent will be understood to bethe currently existing tire in the “Left front” location.

This additional logic can also enable a warning system in the event anon-reusable part is reintroduced or a required associated part has notbeen replaced. As an example, when an oil change is performed, theoil-filter must always be replaced with a new oil-filter. In the eventthat the oil-change tag is detected as new, but the filter tag has notchanged, a warning such as the check-engine light or an ignition killswitch could be activated. Likewise, if the oil-filter were removed, andthe same oil filter was reinstalled, the warning would be triggered.

Preferably, the passive RFID tags or other sensors would be embedded oretched into the vehicle parts so that RFID tag tampering could notoccur. In another option, an RFID tag in the form of a label ismanufactured such that removal or mutilation of the label would destroythe RFID data.

Data Storage Device-Virtually all modern vehicles contain a nonvolatilestorage component associated with the VCC and capable of storing a largeamount of data. This device in its original state, in an expanded state,or another independent device can be used with the present invention.This will be more fully detailed in connection with FIG. 4.

User Notification Module-A wide variety of notification methods such asaudio and visual indicators and message propagation are well known inthe art. This module could optionally use data processed by the ServiceLogic Module to execute a specific notification method. It couldpotentially notify multiple parties such as the vehicle owner, theoriginating dealership, and the manufacturer. As an example, uponcompletion of an oil change, the on-board computer would be updated andthe service data stored, after which, an indicator could be displayed orpropagated to inform and update all interested parties.

In one non-limiting implementation, the invention contemplates the useof one or more radio frequency identification (RFID) readers or the likevariously located throughout the vehicle. The readers may be positionedin the vehicle so that the aggregate coverage by the one or more RFIDreaders covers the component parts of the vehicle that are likely to besubject to replacement or repair. The RFID tag could take on many forms.The RFID tag can be a passive tag, an active tag, or a semi-passive tag.With a passive tag, the reader(s) emits an electromagnetic field thatinduces an electrical current in an antenna of the tag. The electricalcurrent provides power for the tag, for example, for powering anintegrated circuit in the tag, which invokes the tag to emit or transmitthe information stored in the tag (e.g., in Electrically ErasableProgrammable Read-Only Memory, or EEPROM, etc.) via the antenna.

With an active tag, the RFID tag includes an internal power source suchas a battery, a solar cell, etc. that powers the integrated circuit,which broadcasts the certification information for reception by anauthorized reader tuned to a broadcast frequency. Alternatively oradditionally, the RFID tag may be powered from the battery of thevehicle. The RFID tag may also be semi-passive in that an internalbattery or the vehicle's battery may provide power to activate the tag,but the field provided by the reader invokes the broadcast of the repairor maintenance information.

It should be understood that the invention is not limited solely to theuse of RFID tags as sensors. Other similar devices such as RuBee longwavelength tags, VLIS visible light identification tags and H-P MemorySpot tags can likewise be utilized as sensors in the practice of thisinvention.

While shown and described herein as a method and system for trackingmaintenance services that have been performed on a vehicle, it isunderstood that the invention further provides various alternativeembodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the invention provides acomputer-readable/useable medium that includes computer program code toenable a computer infrastructure to manage the program associated withthe RFID tags and readers. To this extent, the computer-readable/useablemedium includes program code that implements each of the various processsteps of the invention.

An exemplary computerized implementation of the present inventionincludes the vehicle central computer described above. Communicationbetween the VCC and the various modules and components of the presentinvention can be achieved via any combination of communications links.For example, the communication links can comprise addressableconnections that may utilize any combination of wired and/or wirelesstransmission methods.

Some or all of the features of the present invention could be deployed,managed or serviced, by a service provider that implements, deploys,and/or perform the functions for or on behalf of the vehicle owner.

As shown in FIG. 4, a computer infrastructure 70 comprises a computersystem 50 having a memory 52, a bus 60, and input/output (I/O)interfaces 64. Further, the computer system 50 is shown in communicationwith external I/O devices/resources 58 and storage system 62. Ingeneral, the processing unit executes computer program code, such as thecode to implement the parts detection system, which is stored in thememory 56 and/or database storage system 62. The memory 56 includessoftware code to support modules such as a notifier 26, a componentidentifier 72 and a service identifier 76.

While executing computer program code, the processing unit 50 can readand/or write data to/from the memory 56, the storage system 62, and/orthe I/O interfaces 64. The bus 60 provides a communication link betweeneach of the components in the computer system. The external devices 58can comprise any of the previously mentioned components such as the RFIDtag, the reader, the data steam converter and the user notificationmodule.

Further, I/O interfaces 64 can comprise any system for exchanginginformation with one or more of the external devices 58. Still further,it is understood that one or more additional components (e.g., systemsoftware, math co-processing unit, etc.) not shown in FIG. 4 can beincluded in computer system 50. However, if computer system 50 comprisesa handheld device or the like, it is understood that one or more of theexternal devices 58 (e.g., a display) and/or the storage system 62 couldbe contained within computer system 50, not externally as shown. Thecomputer system can further include a wired or wireless connection 78 toallow it to communicate outside of the vehicle with, for example, theowner 82 or the dealer 84. This capability allows the transfer ofupdated information for any of the purposes heretofore described.

The storage system 62 can be any type of system (e.g., a database)capable of providing storage for information under the presentinvention. To this extent, the storage system 62 could include one ormore storage devices, such as a magnetic disk drive or an optical diskdrive. In another embodiment, the storage system 62 includes datadistributed across, for example, a local area network (LAN), wide areanetwork (WAN) or a storage area network (SAN) (not shown). In addition,although not shown, additional components, such as cache memory,communication systems, system software, etc., may be incorporated intocomputer system 50.

It is understood that the terms computer-readable medium or computeruseable medium comprises one or more of any type of physical embodimentof the program code. In particular, the computer-readable/useable mediumcan comprise program code embodied on one or more portable storagearticles of manufacture (e.g., a compact disc, a magnetic disk, a tape,etc.), on one or more data storage portions of a computing device, suchas storage system 62 (e.g., a fixed disk, a read-only memory, a randomaccess memory, a cache memory, etc.), and/or as a data signal (e.g., apropagated signal) traveling over a network (e.g., during awired/wireless electronic distribution of the program code).

The invention provides a business method that performs the process stepsof the invention on a subscription, advertising, and/or fee basis. Thatis, a service provider could offer to manage the monitoring of thecomponent removal, repair and replacements. In this case, the serviceprovider can create, maintain, support, etc., a computer infrastructure,such as the computer infrastructure 70 (FIG. 4) that performs theprocess steps of the invention for one or more customers. In return, theservice provider can receive payment from the customer(s) under asubscription and/or fee agreement and/or the service provider canreceive payment from the sale of advertising content to one or morethird parties.

As used herein, it is understood that the terms “program code” and“computer program code” are synonymous and mean any expression, in anylanguage, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause acomputing device having an information processing capability to performa particular function either directly or after either or both of thefollowing: (a) conversion to another language, code or notation; and/or(b) reproduction in a different material form. To this extent, programcode can be embodied as one or more of: an application/software program,component software/a library of functions, an operating system, a basicI/O system/driver for a particular computing and/or I/O device, and thelike.

The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations arepossible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to aperson skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scopeof the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

1. In connection with a vehicle computer module mounted on board a motorvehicle, a system for creating a record of maintenance of said motorvehicle, comprising: a) a passive radio frequency tag associated with aserviceable or replaceable component of the vehicle, said tag programmedto be activated to transmit a signal upon occurrence of a specificservice-related event; b) a radio frequency reader to capture a signalfrom said tag when activated; and c) circuitry to transmit the signalfrom said reader to an on board computer module.
 2. The system accordingto claim 1 further including a converter between the reader and theon-board computer module for converting the signal from the reader intoa data stream acceptable by the computer module.
 3. The system accordingto claim 1 further including a non-volatile database storage forretaining the information contained in the data stream transmitted tothe computer module.
 4. The system according to claim 3 wherein thedatabase storage is located external to the computer module.
 5. Thesystem according to claim 3 further including a module for providingnotification of a service related event that has been detected by theRFID tag, read by the reader, and transmitted to the on-board computermodule.
 6. The system according to claim 1 wherein the tag includes anantenna that transmits said signal to said reader.
 7. A method forcreating a record of maintenance of a motor vehicle, comprising: a)Associating a passive radio frequency tag with a serviceable orreplaceable component of the vehicle; and b) providing a radio frequencyreader within range of said radio frequency tag to capture a signal fromsaid tag; and c) providing circuitry to convert the signal into data,and d) transmitting the data to a computer module on board the motorvehicle.
 8. The method according to claim 7 further including the stepof converting the signal from the reader into a data stream that isacceptable to the computer module prior to transmitting the signal tosaid module.
 9. The method according to claim 8 further including theuse of a service logic module to process the data stream received by theon-board computer.
 10. The method according to claim 9 further includingthe steps of a) providing non-volatile database storage for receiving,retaining and retransmitting information contained in the data streamtransmitted to the computer module, and b) transferring the informationfrom said on-board computer to said storage.
 11. The method according toclaim 10 wherein the storage comprises RAM storage external to saidcomputer.
 12. The method according to claim 10 further including thestep of sending notification of the occurrence of a service relatedevent.
 13. The method according to claim 7 wherein the radio frequencytag is attached to the serviceable or replaceable component.
 14. Themethod according to claim 7 wherein the radio frequency tag is embeddedin the serviceable or replaceable component.
 15. A method, comprising:producing computer executable program code; storing the code on acomputer readable medium; and providing the program code to be deployedand executed on an on-board computer system associated with a motorvehicle; the program code comprising instructions which, when executedon the computer system, causes the computer system to: Read data by anRFID reader from a passive radio frequency tag associated with acomponent of the motor vehicle relative to the occurrence of a repair,replacement or maintenance event in the motor vehicle; Transfer datafrom said RFID reader to an on-board computer; Update a repairmaintenance schedule with respect to said event; and Store the updatedschedule in database storage.
 16. The method according to claim 15wherein the program code causes the data generated by the RFID reader tobe converted into a data stream that can be read by the computer. 17.The method according to claim 16 wherein the program code causes aservice logic module within the computer to update the maintenancerecord with respect to the data transmitted to the computer.
 18. Themethod according to claim 17 wherein the program code causes anotification module to transmit a message with respect to the updatedrecord.
 19. A method for deploying an application for trackingmaintenance or repair of a motor vehicle, comprising: providing acomputer infrastructure being operable to: receive informationindicative of a maintenance or repair service on the vehicle; generate asignal indicative of the completion of the maintenance or repairservice; and store indicia indicative of the completion of said service.